The collection of accurate location coordinates along with quality biological data is crucial to the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI) program. This location data, compiled into species distribution maps, will allow Park staff to better manage these species against environmental and other threats, and assist scientists studying species’ habitat requirements or other spatial patterns.

To enable the Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH) to efficiently and accurately add your location data to the ATBI Database and its Geographic Information System (GIS), please follow the guidelines listed below when recording locations and submitting data.

• Recommended Map Coordinate System, Setting Your GPS Unit, and Converting Existing Coordinates to U TM (NAD83)

Tutorials and other tools for using GPS are available at:

• Garmin
• MapTools
• Magellan
• Trimble